Bra buying 101: GL's no-fail guide to finding a perfect bra!

Girls' Life, August-Sept, 2007 by Katie Abbondanza

Finding the right bra can be trickier than figuring out your locker combo. (Was it 34 or 36?) GL sorts through the details to help you find the best fit. Now, if only we could get bogs to stop snapping those straps....

GET FIT QUICK

Most girls are bouncin' around in the wrong size bra--but proper sizing can be confusing. The number is the measurement around your rib cage, and the letter is the size of the cup (who knew your A,B,C ... D's could be so difficult?).

Your best bet? Get fitted at a lingerie store. Wear a thin tee, and she'll use a tape measure--over your shirt--to find your correct bra size. Turns out you're a hard-to-find combo (hello, 30C)? Go to myintimacy.com to locate a specialty boutique in your area.

CURTAIN CALL

Do not--we repeat, do not!--buy a bra without trying it on. Not sure you've picked the right one? Hook it on the end clasp, and see if it passes these tests....

DO THE WAVE Reach both hands up to the ceiling. If the bra rides up, it's too big. Go down a band size.

JUMPING JACK FLASH While in the dressing room, jump in place. If you've got big-time bounce, go for extra support, like underwire or structured cups.

WAITING TO EXHALE Feelin' like you can't breathe? Go up a band size ... bras shouldn't be tight, just snug!

I'M WITH THE BAND See if it's a good fit by sliding the straps down for a sec. The bra should pretty much stay put.

TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT? Your bra should not dig in, fall down, pinch or make you uncomfortable in any way.

SMOOTH OPERATOR Pull on a tee and see how well it lays over the bra. Smooth? You've found a keeper!

CUT THE BRA-MA

GL's got the answers to your most baffling bra problems....

* Um ... when should I start wearing a bra? Your hair's not the only thing that's bouncy these days? Try a sports bra for support. A little too much peek-a-boo through your shirts? Time for some coverage with a cute bralette. Keep getting measured as you develop, and buy new bras when you need them.

* My straps are always slipping down my arm! Straps failing faster than the temperature? Adjust so they're tighter.

* Ugh, this underwire's killing me. Here's a shocker: Bras shouldn't hurt. If you're getting poked, go up a cup size.

* My strapless never staysput/Nothing's worse than finding your bra around your waist. Resist the urge to pull the band up in back--that'll make the cups pop out in the front. Be sure the band rests right under your shoulder blades.

* Ouch! My straps always dig in. Loosen up, sister. Adjust the straps so they're longer--comfortable but still taut. Or, look for wider straps the next time you go bra shopping.

* My boobs are so big they spill over the top of my bra! When you've got humps bursting out of the top of your bra, go up a cup size. No dreaded double boon!

GL goes under COVER

It's GL's first-ever Great Bra Challenge. We hooked and unhooked, adjusted and readjusted--so you don't have to!

Here are our faves....

Five bras one!

Gotta love a multi-tasker. This bra can be converted into a strapless, racer back, halter and more.

Q-T Bra, $15, brasnlace.com

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Smoothie

The only thing worse than panty lines? Brassiere bulges. Look for "seamless" on the label.

Ambrielle by JCPenney, $28, jcp.com

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Extra comfy

You'll forget you have it on! Wide straps mean less slipping, and the cups give comfy support.

Hanes, $10, Target

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First bra

A red bra with polka dots and a li'l lace definitely brightens your mood.

No Romeo, $24, urbanoutfitters.com

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Super cute!

Cute and simple, this bralette is a great choice for girls who want coverage but don't need support.

Eberjey, $50, figleaves.com

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Sporty

Active girls, get a sports bra to keep your boobs in place and eliminate strain on breast tissue. Score!

Shock Absorber, $45, figleaves.com

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HANDLE WITH CARE

Throwing your unmentionables in the washer trashes bras in no time. The solution? Handwash every two to three wears. Here's how: Fill the sink with cool water, and wash each bra with a gentle lingerie soap, like Forever New (forevernew.com). Regular detergents wreak havoc on fabrics and suck the line out of elastics. Rinse, the lay 'em flat to dry. Wanna make your bra last ultra-long? "Don't wear the same bra two days in a row," says Susan Nethero, author of Bra Talk. "They need to rest in order to retain elasticity."